Catchphrase star Roy Walker was saved from drowning by Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder after being hit by a massive wave.

The legendary east Belfast-born TV host was knocked from a paddleboard while the pair were filming a new show, 100 Years Younger In 21 Days, on the Mediterranean isle of Sardinia.

The musician (55) dived into the choppy sea to save former TV show host Roy (77) who cut his leg open during the drama.

Shaun said: “Saving Roy Walker’s life was the best thing I’ve ever done — he’s now my new best mate.”

An insider reportedly said that Mr Walker — known for the famous catchphrase “say what you see” — credited the singer with saving his life. The progamme features eight celebrities taking part in a novel experiment to see if they can reverse the aging process without undergoing plastic surgery, aiming to lose 100 years between them.

They will be subjected to strict diets and exercise routines as well as extreme anti-aging treatments.